The use of polyacrylamide hydrogels to study the effects of matrix stiffness on nuclear envelope properties

Rose Marie Minaisah, Susan Cox, Derek T. Warren

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Matrix-derived mechanical cues influence cell proliferation, motility, and differentiation. Recent findings clearly demonstrate that the nuclear envelope (NE) adapts and remodels in response to mechanical signals, including matrix stiffness, yet a plethora of studies have been performed on tissue culture plastic or glass that have a similar stiffness to cortical bone. Using methods that allow modulation of matrix stiffness will provide further insight into the role of the NE in physiological conditions and the impact of changes in stiffness observed during ageing and disease on cellular function. In this chapter, we describe the polyacrylamide hydrogel system, which allows fabrication of hydrogels with variable stiffness to better mimic the environment experienced by cells in most tissues of the body.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMethods in Molecular Biology
EditorsJohn M. Walker
PublisherSpringer
Pages233-239
Number of pages7
Volume1411
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-4939-3530-7
ISBN (Print)978-1-4939-3528-4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 May 2016

Publication series

NameMethods in Molecular Biology
Volume1411
ISSN (Print)10643745

Keywords

  • Extracellular matrix and stiffness
  • Hydrogels
  • Mechanotransduction

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